Acetylene-gas generator.



E. M. ROSENBLUTH.

ACETYLENE GAS GENERATOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT-18,1913.

Patented Feb. 22, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET I.

INVENTOR:

WITNESSES:

av wamf 'r E COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH 70.. wAsnmclToN. I). c.

E. M. ROSENBLUTH.

ACETYLENE GAS GENERATOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 18. 1913.

Patented Feb. 22,1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

INVENTOR:

WITN 38/8,;5

E. M. ROSENBLUTH.

ACETYLENE GAS GENERATOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. I8, 1913.

1,173,1 22. Patented Feb. 22, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3- WITNESSES 112; INVENTOR:

E. M. ROSENBLUTH.

ACETYLENE GAS GENERATOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 18, 1913.

Patented Feb. 22, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4. FICiX Z46 ZZZ) 176 WITNESSES: INVENTOR: f Q 6% 21 .flwm, 2%: \%g 5- COLUMBIA PLANOG PH co., WASHINGTON. n

EDWIN M. ROSENBLUTH, OF PHILADELIPI-IIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

ACETYLENE-GAS GENERATOR.

Application filed September 18, 1913.

7 '0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWIN M. ROSEN- BLUTH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Acetylene-Gas Generators, where of the following is a specification, reference lzeing had to the accompanying drawings.

My invention relates to a generator of the type described in Letters Patent of the United States 1,025,648 granted to me May 7, 1912, and provides such a generator with a carbid casing and appurtenances adapted for cooperation with carbid cartridges which, as hereinafter described, include a flexible cover of textile fabric having a series of compartments independently charged with carbid so that the latter is equally distributed throughout the length of the cartridge when the latter is extended in the plane position in which it is formed, and also when it is bent to the annular position which it occupies in the carbid casing.

As hereinafter described, my invention includes a generator so constructed that its base frame may be permanently attached to an automobile and the carbid casing and water receptacle be detachably rigidly connected therewith by rotation of a rod extending centrally through said water receptacle. in threaded engagement with a screw threaded stem extending through said carbid casing from said base; said stem extending through a condensate trap in said base and carrying at its lower end a closure for a vent opening in the bottom of said trap; said closure being spring pressed so as to be automatically opened whenever said stem is released by rotation of said connecting rod. As hereinafter described, said water receptacle includes a main compartment adjacent the carbid chamber and an auxiliary compartment above said main compartment; and a water passageway leading from said main water compartment into the carbid casing is controlled by a rotary valve which also controls a gas passageway leading from said carbid casing to the atmosphere, the construction and arrangement being such that when the gas passageway is opened the water passageway is closed and vice versa; said valve being rotatable by a rod extending from the main water compartment through the auxiliary Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 22, 1916. Serial No. 790.395.

water compartment and having an operating handle exterior to the latter, and said rod carrying a valve controlling communication between said auxiliary compartment and said main compartment so as to place them in communication only when said Water passageway leading from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed. However, such means for automatically draining the condensate from the generator is claimed in my copending application Serial 784,292, filed August 12, 1913, for Letters Patent of the United States, and said carbid cartridge and the means for compressing the same are claimed in my copending application Serial 790,396, filed Sept. 18, 1913.

The specific claims in this case are limited to the construction and arrangement of the water feeding mechanism and my invention includes the various novel features of construction and arrangement hereinafter more definitely specified.

In the drawings: Figure I is a plan view of a generator conveniently embodying my invention. Fig. II is a vertical sectional view of said generator taken on the line II, II in Fig. I. Fig. III is a fragmentary sectional view on the same line as Fig. II but showing a different position of the rotary valve. Fig. IV is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on the line IV in Fig. II. Fig. V is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on the line V in Fig. II. Fig. VI is a fragmentary hori zontal sectional view taken on line VI in Fig. II. Fig. VII is a vertical fragmentary sectional view taken on the line VII, VII in Fig. I. Fig. VIII is an elevation of a modified form of my invention, having a water supplv pipe permanently connecting the water receptacle thereof with the radiator water supply of an automobile; such water supply to the generator being controlled bv a manually operative valve. Fig. IX is a plan view of the form of my invention shown in F ig. VIII. Fig. X is a vertical sectional view of said generator taken on the line X, X in Fig. IX. Fig. XI is a sectional view of the water receptacle shown in Fig. X, but taken on the line XI. XI in Fig. IX; portions of said receptacle being shown in elevation. Fig. XII is a vertical fragmentary sectional view in the same plane as Fig. VII but showing the base portion of the generator.

Referring to the form of my invention shown in Figs. I to VII inclusive, the generator has the base 1 including the condensate trap'Q cast in unitary relatirn with the feet 3 having the openings 4- by which it may be permanently .cnnected with an automobile or other vehicle. Said trap has a gas inlet 6 at the top thereof and a condensate outlet 7 at the bottom thereof and two eccentric scckets 8 at the bottom thereof, shown in Fig. I. The two branch condensing coils 10 and 11 which are carried by said base 1, to which they are detachably secured by the bolt 13 and yokes 14 and 15, have means including the nuts 16 detachably connecting said coils in communication with said trap 12 by way of ducts 18 and 19. lt is to be understood that the moisture entrained in the gas passing from said inlet 6 and through the trap 2 and said coils 10 and 11 is coir dcnsed and the condensate gravitates to the bcttom of said trap 2 as indicated at 20 in Fig. 11.

The carbid casing having the central tubular column and the gas outlet 24 at the bottom thereof, is reinforced by the spider frame :25, which is conveniently rivet ed theretn as indicated at 26 in Fig. II. and is dctachably fitted to said base 1; the latter having the resilient gasket 28 surrounding said gas inlet 6 and retained by the ring 29 held by the screw 30 engaging said base 1, as shown in Fig. 11. so as to seal the jrint between said cutlct 21 of the carbid casing 22 and the gas inlet 6 oi the generator base 1. It is to lie understood that the gas passes upwardly in the carbid chamber both between the flanges 3-1 and and between the columns 23 and 41 and thence downwardly through the cclumn and the gas outlets 2 1 and thence through the gas inlet 6 cf the trap: the interstices between said cclumn 23 and the stem 125 and the fittings on the latter being ample to permit such passage.

The carbid 3-3 is supported in said carbid casing 22 in the removable basket 3?) having its annular trp flange 31 resting uprn the annular top flange 35 of said carbid casing 22, and said basket has the toraminius bottom 37, conveniently formed of wire fabric held by the annular flange and having a central aperture. fitted to said carbid casing column 23. reinforced by the ring 39 which is srldered to said fabric. The carbid 3'2 is retained in said basket 33 by the removable cap 40 which its therein as shown in Fig. 11 and has the central tubular column 41 which fits o er said column 23 of the carbid casing. The downward movement of said cap 40 in said basket 33 is limited by three st p lugs 42 which are stationary in said basket and one of which shown on the left hand side cf Fig. 11. Said cap is held in said basket and prevented from rattling by the spiral spring 45, the lower end of which is connected with said cap, by solder, and the upper end of which bears upon the forai'ninous finer 16 of the gas dcme l7 which extends into the water receptacle am forms part of the brttoin of the latter. Said water receptacle 48 is arranged to detaehably lit upon said carbid casing 22, and has the resilient gasket 50 held between its bottcm lianges 51 and resting upon said top flange 35 of the carbid :asing 22 so as to seal the joint between said carbid casing and said water receptacle Said water receptacle has the central tubular column 5-1 in axial. alinemcnt with the column 23 in said carbid casing. and ineludes the main compartment. adjacent said casing. and the auxiliary compartment 57 above said main compartment, said conipartments being separated by the diaphragm 58.

The valve casing 60 which is permanently set in the bottom of said main compartment 56 ot the water receptacle has the water inlet passageway 61 leading to the restricted water outlet 62 in the bottom of said valve casing and to the similar restricted water outlets (S3 in fittings 61 which are also permanently set in the bottom of said compartment 56 as indicated in Fig. IV and connectcd with said valve casing 60 by the branch tubes (56. Each of said water outlets 5i! and G3 is conveniertly provided with a reeiprocatory plunger 68 such as shown in Fig. ill. arranged to restrict the flow of water and to be longitudinally shifted to free any obstruction which may lodge in said outlets. It is to be understood that when said passageway 61 in communication with said outlets 62 and 63 water is permitted to drip through said outlets upon the rounded top of the cap 10 and liows down the latter between its vertical wall and the vertical wall 1'' the basket 33 and is distr buted circumferentially thereon by the bead 70 from which it flows in a thin film to the carbid 32. Said water passageway (31 is controlled bv the valve plug '72 which is mounted to turn in said valve casing 61) to the degree limited by the stud T3 on said plug encountering the shoulders 71 and 75 on said casing, which are shown in Fig. IV. Said valve plug 72 is pro ided with a stem 77 extending through the tube 78 which is permanently secured in said diaphragm 58 and in the top of the water rece tacle 48 and is provided above the latter with the operating handle 79 which is detachably secured thereon bv the screw 80. It may be observed, with reference to Fig. II. that said handle 79 has a fiange 81 overhanging the top of said tube 78 and the joint between them is sealed by the resilient gasket 82. As best shown in Fi HI, said val e stem 7 1 also carries the valve 81 which has a face of resilient material 85 (for instance leather) bearing upon the inner face of said tube 78 toward which said valve 8-1 is pressed by the springs 80 which surround the studs 87 extending through said valve stei 77. Said phere, controlled by the same valve means,

so that any gas generated after the water is shut off at said passageway 01 may escape directly to the atmosphere instead of through said condensing coils 10 and 11 to the lamps. Said passageway is shown at 91 in Fig. H, extendin from the gas dome 17 through said valve casing 00 and the port 9:2 in said valve plug 72 and terminating in the gas vent nozzle 03 exterior to the water receptacle lb, and is closed when said plug is turned to open said passageway 01 as shown in Fig. Ill. Therefore, it may be observed that the generator above described includes a gas passageway from said carbid casing to the atmosphere; a water passageway leading from said main compartment of the water receptacle into said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment in the water receptacle to said main compartment, and valve means controlling; said gas and water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the gas passageway opened, the water passageway between said compartments is opened and the water passageway from said main conniartment to said carbid casing is closed. and vice versa.

leferring to Figs. I. II, III and IV, it may be observed that the position of said valve means and consequent operative or inoperative condition of the generator is manifested by the position of the exterior operating handle 79. which in Figs. 1'. H and IV is in the position to shut oil the supply of water from the water receptacle to the carbid casing, as indicated by said handle registering with the sign Qlf which is cast in unitary relation with the spider frame 0) which is permanently set in the top of the water receptacle shown in Figs. I and U.

As shown in Figs. I and VII, the water receptacle 48 is provided with two inlets or filler tubes 97 and 9S. Said tube 97 extends from the exterior of said receptacle 48 through the top thereof and through the diaphragm 58 into the main water compartment 50 and is provided with the closure 100 which is ccccntrically pivotally connected with said tube 97 by the pintle 101, which extends through the bearing 102 which is stationary in the receptacle 48. Said pintle carries at its lower end the abutment 103 for the spring 10 1 which encircles said pintle and tends to press said closure 100 shut, as shown in Fig. VII, but does not prevent ingress of air to said auxiliary water conr partment :37, as the water is discharged from the latter into the carbid casing 22 through the outlets 0:2 and (33. It is to be understood that when it is desired to till said main water compartment 50 in the water receptacle 48, said closure 100 may be raised by its knob 10a and turned aside to micover said tube 07 to permit water to be poured therein, and when said closure is returned to registry with said tube 97 it is shut thereon by said spring 104. Said tube 98 extends from the exterior of said receptacle -18 through the top thereof to the auxiliary water compartment 57, and is provided with a closure 108 which is eccentricallv pivotally connected with said tube 98 by the pintle 109 extending through the bearing 110. which is stationary in the lcceptacle Said pintle carries at its lower end the abutment 112 for the spring 113 which encircles said pintle and tends to press said closure 108 shut. as shown in Fig. YII. It is to be understood that when it is desired to fill said auxiliary ater compartn'ient 57 in the water receptacle 48, said closure 108 mav be raised by its knob 11% and turned aside to uncover said tube 98 to permit water to be poured therein, and when said closure is returned to registry with said tube 08 it is shut thereon by said spring 113. It may be observed. with reference to Fi, 2 I and VII, that said knob 11% of the closure 108 has an opening 115 extending therethrough maintaining comn'iunication between the interior of said auxiliary water compartment 57 and the outer atmosphere so as to avoid the creation of a partial vacuum bv the subsidence of the water 110 in the receptacle 48. which might interfere with the gravitative feed of the water to the carbid.

Means are provided for detachably rigidly connecting said carbid casing 22 and water receptacle 48 with said base 1, including the screw threaded rod 118 depending in said water receptacle column 54 from the top thereof. having the o erating handle 119 provided with the resilient gasket 120 bearing upon the top of said spider frame 0:; and sealing the joint thereat. As shown in Fig. ll, said rod 118 has the annulariiange 121 at its lower end preventing it from being withdrawn outwardly from said ater receptacle 4'8, but permitting it to reciprocate longitudinally to a limited extent suflicient to facilitate the engagement of the screw thread 123 at the lower end of said rod 118, with the screw thread 124 at the upper end of the stem 125 which extends in the carbid casing column 23 from the base 1.

As shown in Fig. II, said stem 125 extends through said trap 2 and carries at its lower end the closure 127 for said condensate outlet 7; said closure 127 carrying the resilient gasket 128 to seal said outlet when the connection between said rod 118 and stem 125, is tightened by rotation of said handle 119. In order to prevent rotation of said stem 125 when engaged by said rod 118, said closure is provided with two eccentric studs 130 extending in said sockets 8 in the base 1, which hold the springs 131 pressing upon said closure 127 so as to automatically open the latter when said stem 125 is released by said rod 118.

The generator above described is operated as follows :The generator being charged with carbid in the basket and both compartments 5G and 57 charged with water, and the valve handle 79 being turned to the position shown in Figs. I, II, IV, V and VI, the generator is in inoperative position because the water passageway (31 leading from the receptacle to the carbid casing 22 is closed and the gas passageway leading from the carbid casing 22 to the atmosphere is pen, as shown in Fig. II. In this position, the water passageway 89, leading from the auxiliary water compartment 57 to the main compartment 56 is open and, said auxiliary compartment being in communication with the atmosphere through the opening 115 in the knob 111 of the closure 108, the water 116 is free to subside into the main water compartment 56. It being desired to operate the generator, the valve handle 79 is turned from the position shown in Figs. I, II, IV, V and VI to the position shown in Fig. III, through an arc of 90 degrees, its motion being limited by the circumferential length of the recess in the valve casing 60 in which the stud 73 extends as shown in Fig. IV. Thereupon, the water passageway 61, leading from the main water compartment 56 to the restricted outlets 62 and 63 being open, the water gravitates through said outlets upon the cap 40 and thence to the carbid 82, decomposing the latter and generating gas which is forced by its own pressure throrgh the interstices between the gas inlet tube 6 of the base 1 and the stem 125 of the closure 127 into the trap 2 and thence through the ducts 18 and 19 to the condensing coils 10 and 11 and thence to the lamps or other gas consuming devices connected to the upper end of said coils, conveniently by flexible rubber tubes. The ash residue 132 of the decomposition of the carbid 32 falls through the foraminous floor 37 of the carbid basket 33 to the bottom of the carbid casing 22 as indicated in Fig. II, and the condensate from the gas gravitates to the bottom of the trap 2 as indicated at 20 in said figure.

If the operation. of the generator is continued, without shutting off the water feed, (by returning the valve handle 79 to the initial position shown in Fig. 1,) the water may be exhausted from the main compartment 50 to the level of the bottom of the water passageway (31. However, during such operation, the gas pressure would gradually diminish because of the diminishing rate at which the water would gravitate through the outlets and 63, consequent upon the lessening height and consequent pressure of the water in the main compartment 56; and such diminution in pressure would be manifest by the lessening brilliance of the flames of the lamps. It may be observed that such diminishment in the -gas pressure is characteristic of all generators which have a single supply of water the pressure of which diminishes as the water is consumed in decomposing the carbid. However, with my improved construction above described, the water pressure may be repeatedly restored to its original amount by momentarily returning the valve handle 79 to the ()li' position shown in Fig. I. thus permitting the water from the auxiliary compartment 57 to recharge the main compartment in") to its initial extent. Moreover, it may be observed that when the valve is in said Off position, the water rises in the column '78, so that when the valve handle 79 is turned to the position shown in Fig. III, which is the gas generating position, t e initial pressure of the water is that in cident to the height of the water in the main compartment 56 plus the height of the water in the column '78; but the latter only holds a small quantity of water which quickly subsides to the level of the water in the lower main compartment 56. when the valve 81 is closed as shown in Fig. III. The effect of such construction and arrangement is that each time the water is turned on to the carbid, it is initially fed to the latter at a rate much higher than the normal rate so as to instantly generate suflicient gas to fill the gas spaces in the apparatus and provide snllicient gas pressure at the lamps to properly illuminate the latter. 'hen it is desired to extinguish the lamps, the valve lever 79 is returned to the Off position. shown in Fig. I, so as to shut off the water, but the residue of water in the carbid 32 would continue the generation of gas at a gradually diminishing rate for perhaps several minutes, and the lamps would remain lighted if it were not that the gas passageway 91 is then opened to the atmosphere so that the gas escapes therethrough and the lamps are then instantly extinguished.

It may be observed that whenever it is desired to recharge the generator with carbid 32, it is necessary to disconnect the rod 118 from the stem 125 by rotating said rod by the handle 119 thus releasing said stem and, upon such release, the closure 127 is automatically opened by the springs 131 so as to auttmatically discharge the condensate from the trap Consequently, it is im possible to have the generator obstructed by accumulated condensate which might occur if such discharge were not thus automatically effected. Said rod 118 being disconnected, as above described, the water receptacle 18 may be lifted by the handle 11.), the bottom flange 121 (n said rcd engaging the lower end of the column 51 of said receptacle. The cap 110 being thus released from the pressure of its spring 15, may be removed from the carbid basket 38 and the latter removed from the carbid casing 22 and the latter nriv also be removed from the base 1 to facilitate the removal of the ashes 182 at the brttcm of said casing. Said casing 22 may then be replaced upon the base 1, and the basket 38 recharged with carbid being placed in said casing, corcred with the cap -10. the water receptacle 18 may be replaced and said members connected in rigid relation by rotation of the handle 1151 until the clcsure 127 is returned to its closed position, shown in Fig. II. Thereupon, the generator is in ccnditicn to generate gas upon movement of the valve handle 79 to the position shown in Fig. III, as above described.

Referring to the form of my invention shown in Figs. VIII to XI inclusive: the generator has the base 135 including the condensate trap 136 east in unitary relation with the feet 187 having the openings 138 by which it mav be permanently connected with an automobile or other vehicle. Said trap has the gas inlet 110 at the top thereof and the condensate outlet 1 11 at the bottom thereof. The duct 111 leads from said trap 136, by way of the branch ducts 11:5 to respecti e branch crndensing coils 116 and 117 thri ugh which the gas from the generator delivered to the lamps or other gas conden ing devi es wh ch are connected therewith. conveniently by the flexible tubing 119. Said coils are carried bv said base 135 to which they are detachably secured by the bolt 150 and yokes 151 and and have means including the nuts 151 detachably connecting said coils in communication with said ducts 115. It is to be understrod that the moisture entrained in the gas passing fr in said inlet 110 and through the trap 136 and said coils 116 and 117 is condensed and the condensate gravitatcs to the bottom of said trap as indicated at 156 in Fig. X.

The carbid casing 158 has the central tubular column l59'with the gas outlet 160 at the bottom thereof, detachably secured therein by its screw thread 161 and the nut- 162 and is detachably fitted to said base 135; the latter having the resilient gasket 161 surrcunding said gas inlet 110 and retained by the ring 165 held by the screw 166 engaging said ha 2 135, as shown in Fig. X, s' as to seal the pint between said gas outlet 160 of the carbid casing 158 and the gas inlet 1 10 of said generator base l he carbid 168 is supported in said carbid casing 158 in the remoi able cartridge 169 the shell of which is a folded web of textile fabric holding said carbid 168 equally distributed throughout its length in the separate compartments conveniently formed by parallel lines of stitches 171. Said textile fabric is of erurse flexible, and the arrangement is such that the separate compartments may be independentlv charged with carbid. Said cartridge shell may be closed at the top, conveniently by the line of stitches 172 shown in Fig. X, or it may be left open at the top if it is desired to use the cartridge 169 repeatedly with successi e charges of carbid 168. In the latter case, the top of the cartridge being open permits the election of the carbid ash. However, the shell of said cartridge 169 being inexpensive textile fabric such as cheese cloth, it is preferable to close the cartridges as shown in Fig. X, so as to prevent accidental escape of the carbid during the preliminary handling of the cartridges: the latter being thrown away when the carbid charge thereof is depleted.

In order to facilitate the absorption of water by the carbid 168 as the latter decomposes. I find it preferable to compress said cartridge 169 at the bottom of the car bid casing 158. In order to effect such com pression, I provide the bowl 17-1 encircling the central column 159 in said casing 168 but removable therefrom, said bowl being provided with the spiral spring 175 which is pern'ianently attached thereto at its lower end. Such attachment is conveniently effected bv the brackets 176 which are soldered to said bowl and spring so as to leave a space between them for the passage of water. The upper end of said spring 175 bears upon the foraminous conical floor 177 of the dome 179 which extends into the water receptacle 180 and forms part of the bottom of the latter. Said water receptacle 180 is arranged to detachably fit upon said carbid casing 158. and has the resilient gasket 181 held between its bottom flange 182 and 183 resting upon the upper edge of said casing 158 so as to seal the joint between said casing and said water receptacle 180. Said water receptacle 180 has the central tubular column 185 in axial alinement with the column 159 in said carbid casing, and includes the main compartment 187, adjacent said casing, and theauxiliary compartment 188 above said main compartment, said compartments being separated by the diaphragm 189. lhe valve casing 191 which is permanently set in the bottom of said main compartment 187 of the water receptacle has the water inlet passageway 195 leading to the restricted water outlet 196 in the bottom of said valve casing and to the similar restricted water outlets 197 in fittings 198 which are also permanently set in the bottom of said compartment 190 as indicated in Fig. X1 and connected with said valve casing 191 by the branch tubes 200. Each of said water outlets 196 and 197 is conveniently provided with a reciprocatory plunger 202 such as shown in Fig. X, arranged to restrict the flow of water and to be longitudinally shifted to free any obstruction which may lodge in said outlets. It is to be understood that when said passageway 195 is in communication with said outlets 196 and 197 water is permitted to drip through said outlets into said bowl 174 and thence, through the central opening at the bottom thereof encircling the column 159, and thence to the bottom of the casing 158; the rounded surface thereof serving to distribute the Water radially into the textile fabric of the cartridge 169 through which it is absorbed into contact with the carbid 168 in the several compartments thereof. Said Water passageway 195 is controlled by the valve plug 209 which is mounted to turn in said valve casing 191 through an arc of 90 degrees, to and from the position shown, such movement being limited by a stud on said plug encountering shoulders on said casing. Said valve plug 209 has the stem 211 extending through the tube 212. permanently secured in said diaphragm 189 and in the top of the water receptacle 180, and has the operating handle 213 which is detachably secured thereon by the screw 214. Said handle 213 has the circular flange 215 overhanging the top of said tube 212 and the joint between them is sealed by the resilient gasket 216. Said valve stem 211 also carries the valve 218 which has a face of resilient material 219 (for instance leather) bearing upon the inner face of said tube 212 toward which said valve 218 is pressed by the springs 220. Said valve 218 is provided to control the water passageway 223 leading from said auxiliary water compartment 188 to the main water compartment 187. and it may be observed that the construction and arrangement is such that when the water passagewav 195 from the main compartment to the carbid casing is closed, the water passageway 223 leading from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment is opened as shown in Fig. X, and vice versa. Moreover. I provide a gas passageway from said carbid casing 158 to the atmosphere, controlled by the same valve means, so that any gas generated after the water is shut 011' at said passageway 195 may escape directly to the atmosphere instead of through said condensing coils 116 and 117 to the lamps. Said passageway is shown at 225 in Fig. X, extending from the gas dome 179 through said valve casing 191 and the port 226 in said valve plug 209 and terminating in the gas vent nozzle 227 exterior to the water receptacle 182, and is closed when said plug is turned to open said passageway 195. Therefore, it may be observed that the generator above described includes a gas passageway from said carbid casing to the atmosphere; a water passageway leading from said main compartment of the water receptacle into said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment in the water receptacle to said main compartment, and valve means controlling said gas and water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the gas passageway is opened, the water passageway between said compartments is opened and the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed, and vice versa. It is to be understood, that the con struction and arrangement above described regulates and renders as uniform as possible the rate of flow of water into and through said bowl 174, and consequently insures the uniform supply of water to the several compartments of said cartridge 169, and the generation of gas therefrom.

As shown in Figs. X and X1, the water receptacle 180 is provided with the reinforcing cap 229, which is permanently secured thereon, and has the inlet or filler tube 230 extending from the exterior of said receptacle 180 through the top thereof into the auxiliary water compartment 188 and is provided with a closure 232 which is eccentrically pivotally connected with said tube 230 bv the pintle 233 which extends through the bearing 234 and carries at its lower end the abutment 235 for the spring 236 which encircles said pintle and tends to press said closure 232 shut. It is to be understood that when it is desired to fill said receptacle 180 with water, said closure 232 may be raised by its knob 239 and turned aside to uncover said tube 230 to permit water to be poured therein. and when said closure is returned to registry with said tube 230, it is tightly shut thereon by said spring 236. However, when said closure is opened, as aforesaid, and the valve 218 turned to the position shown in Fig. X, the water passageway 223 leading from said auxiliary compartment 188 to said main compartment 187 is open so that both compa tments of said receptacle may be filled with water 210 through the inlet 230.

In order to avo d the creation of a partial vacuum by subsidence of the Water 210 in the receptacle 180, which might interfere with the gravitative feed of the water to the carbid, I provide the top of the receptacle 180 With an aperture 242 in communi cation with the air vent i213 opening through said cap 229 in communication with the outer atmosphere. It may be observed that said aperture 242 and vent 213 are out of alinement, so that if any water is forced through the top of the receptacle 180 by back pressure of gas in the generator, it is caught in said cap 229 and subsequently gravitates back into the receptacle 180, in. stead of being thrown out of the generator as it would be if said aperture com municated directly with the atmosphere.

In order to avoid the creation of a partial vacuum by subsidence of the water 210 in the main compartment 187 of the water receptacle 180 when the passageway 223 leading from the auxiliary water compartment 188 to said main water compartment 187 is closed by said valve 218; I provide the tube 241 (shown in I ig. XI) which maintains communication between said main compartment 187 and the interior of said cap and thence through the aperture 242 which is in communication with the outer atmosphere through said air vent 243. Means are provided for detachably rigidly connecting said carbid casing 158 and water receptacle 180 with said base 135, including the screw threaded rod depending in said water receptacle column 185 from the too thereof. having the o erating handle 246 provided with the resilient gasket 247 bearing upon the top of said cap 229 and sealing the joint thercat. Said rod 245 may be reciprocated lon itudinally to facilitate the engagement of the screw thread 250 at the lower end thereof with the screw thread 251 at the upuer end with the stem which extends in the carbid casing column 1 9 from the base 135. and extends through said trap 136 and carries at its lower end the closure for said condensate outlet 141. Said closure 2'74. carries the resilient gasket 255 to seal said outlet when the connection between said rod 243 and stem 252 is tightened bv rotation of said handle 24"). In order to prevent rotation of said stem 2552 when engaged by sa d rod said closure is provided with eccentric studs 2 39 extendin in sockets 260 in said base 135 which hold spiral springs Q61 pressing upon said closure 254 so as to automatically ouen the latter when said stem 252 is released by said rod 215. such construction being like that at the base of the other modification of my invent on above described. Said water receptacle 180 is also convenientlv provided with the water inlet 263 connected by the flexible water supply conduit 261 with the water circulating space in the radiator 265; so that said receptacle may be supplied With water from said circulating system under control of the manually operative valve 266.

The generator last above described is operated as follows :The generator being charged with carbid, in the cartridge 169, and the valve handle 213 being turned to the position shown in Figs. IX and X, the generator is in inoperative position because the water passageway 195 leading from the re ceptacle 180 to the carbid asing 158 is closed and the gas passageway leading from the carbid casing 158 to the atmosphere, through the valve plu 209, is open. In this position, the water passageway leading from the auxiliary water compartment 188, to the main compartment 187 is open and, said auxiliary compartment being in communication with the atmosphere through the aperture 242 and vent 213, the water 240 is free to subside and entirely fill the main compartment 187. It being desired to operate the generator, the valve handle 213 is turned from the position shown in Figs. IX, X and XI, through an arc of 90 degrees. Thereupon, the water passageway 195 leading from the main water compartment 187 to the restricted outlets 196 and 197 being open, the water gravitates through said outlets upon the bowl 171 and thence to the carbid 168, decomposing the latter and generating gas which is forced by its own pressure u 'iwardly through the central aperture in the conical floor 177 surrounding the column 159, thence between said columns 159 and 185 to the top of the column 159, thence downwardly between said column 159 and the rod 215 and through the interstices between the gas inlet tube 1-l0 of the base 135 and the stem 252 of the closure 25% into the trap 136 and thence through the ducts 144 and 145 to the condensing coils 116 and 147 and thence to the lamps or other gas consuming devices connected to the upper ends of said coils. conveniently by flexible rubber tubes.

The ash residue of the decomposition of the carbid 168 is retained by the porous casing of the cartridge 169 so that it may be removed with the latter. The condensate 156 from the gas gravitates to the bottom of the trap as indicated and is automatically discharged therefrom whenever the closure 254 opened by release of the stem 252.

If the operation of the generator is continued, without shutting oil the water feed, (by returning the valve handle 213 to the in tial position shown in Figs. IX. X and XI.) the water may be exhausted from the main compartment 187 to the level of the bottom of the water passageway 195. However. during such operation, the gas pressure gradually dim nishes because of the d minishing rate at which the water grai 'itates through the outlets 196 and 197, consequent upon the lessening height and consequent pressure of the water in the main compartment 187; and such diminution in pressure may be manifested by the lessening brilliance of the flames of the lamps. It may be observed that such diminishment in the gas pressure is characteristic of all generators which have a. single supply of water the pressure of which diminishes as the water is consumed in decomposing the carbid. However, with my improved construction above described, the water pressure may be repeatedly restored to its original amount by momentarily returning the valve handle 213 to the Off pos tion shown in Fig. IX, thus permitting the water from the auxiliary compartment 188 to recharge the main compartment 187 to its initial full extent. Moreover, it may be observed that when the valve is in said position the water rises in the tube 212 to the level of the water in the upper auxiliary ccmpartment 188. so that when the valve handle 213 is turned to the other position. which is the gas generat ing position. the initial pressure of the water is that incident to the height of the water in the main conn 'iartment 187 plus the height of the water in said tubes 212 and 215; but said tubes only hold a small quantity of water which quickly subsides to the level of the water in the lower compartment 187 when the valve 218 is thus closed. The effect of such ccnstruction and arrangement is that each time the water is turned on to the carbid. it is initially fed to the latter at a rate much higher than the normal rate so as to instantly generate suilicient gas to fill the gas spaces in the apparatus and provide sutlicient gas pressure at the lamps to properly illuminate the latter.

\Vhen it is desired to extinguish the lamps. the valve lever 213 is turned to the position shown in Fig. IX, so as to shut off the supply of water to the carbid casing 158, but the residue of water in the cartridge 169 continues the generation of gas at a gradually diminishing rate for perhaps several minutes and the lamps would remain lighted if it were not that the gas passageway 225 is then opened to the atmosphere so that the gas escapes therethrough and the lamps are instantly extinguished.

It may be cbserved that whenever it is desi ed to recharge the generator with carbid 168. it is necessarv to disconnect the rod 245 from the stem 259 by rotating said rod by its handle 246 thus releasing said stun and. upon such release. the closure 234 is automatically opened by the springs 261 so as to automatically discharge the condensate 156 from the trap 136. Consequently. it is impossible to have the generator obstructed by accumulated condensate which mignt occur if such dischar e were not thus automatically effected. Said rod 9A5 being disconnected, as above described,

the water receptacle 180 may be lifted from the carbid receptacle 158 thus releasing the spring 175 of the bowl 171 so that the latter may to remov ed to permit removal of the depleted cartridge 169. The ash residue of the decomposed carbid 168 being retained by the cartridge 169, it is unnecessary to clean the carbid casing 158 before recharging it with carbid, and such recharging may therefore. be immediately effected by disprsing another cartridge annularlv in the carbid casing as indicated in Fig. XI. Said bowl 171 may then be replaced, and the spring 173 compressed by replacing the water receptacle 180, so as to compress the carbid in the ct 'tridge and the various separable members of the generator aforesaid he reconnected in rigid relation by rotation of said handle 216 until the closure 251- is returned to its closed position shown in Fig. X. Thereupcn, the generator is in condition to generate gas upon movement of the valve handle 2125 from the position shown in Figs. IX, X and XI. through an arc of 90 degrees as above described.

It is to he partimilarly noted that the central tubular column 159 of the carbid casing 158 extends far above the latter and is impcrfo'ate; because such construction compels the gas generated in said casing 158 to pass in a thin film between the central tabular column 185 of the water receptacle and said column 1 9, to the top of the latter, and to pass downward in a film between said column 159 and the rod 245. Said gas thus subjected to the low temperature maintained by the water surrounding said column 185 so to precipitate the greater portion of the condensate therefrom in position to return into operative relation with the carbid 168 by trickling down the outer surface of said column 159. Such construction is not only advantageous in that it in sures the separation of the entrained moisture from the gas but retains the bulk of such moisture in operative relation with the carbid and thus permits the generation of a larger volume of gas from a given charge of water than if the condensate were permitted to escape from the generator. In order to insure that. said water inlet or filler tube 230 shall not be opened when the gen orator is in operative position; 1 provide said valve handle with the locking flange 268. best shown in Fig. IX, which overhangs the closure and prevents the latter from being raised when said handle turned to the position in which water is being supplied to the carbid and gas generated.

It is to be understood that I do not desire to limit myself to the precise details of construction and arran ement above described. as it is obvious that various modifications may be made therein without departing fromthe essential features of'my invens tion, as definedin the following claims.

I claim 1. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a base, of acarbid casing, having a central tubular column anda gas outlet at the bottom thereof, detachably fitted to said base; a water receptacle having a central tubular column and arrangedto detachably fit upon said carbid casing with said columns in registry, above said carbid casing, including a main compartment adj acent said carbid casing, an auxiliary compartment above said main compartment, and a hollow cap above said auxiliary compartment; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; a passageway Irom said auxiliary compartmentto said cap; a passageway from said main compartment to said cap; a vent opening from said cap to the atmosphere; a gas pas sageway from said carbid casing to the at mosphere; and a rotary valve controlling said gas passageway and both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the gas passageway is opened the water passageway between said compartments is opened and the water passageway from said main compartmentto said carbid casing is closed and vice versa; andrneans arranged to dctachably rigidly connect said casing and receptacle with said base, including a screw threaded rod depending in said water receptacle column from the top thereof, and a screw threaded stem extending in said carbid casing column from said base, in screw threaded engagement with said rod; said stem extending through said trap in said base and carrying at its lower end a closure for said condensate outlet; a handle on said rod above said water receptacle and resilient means arranged to automatically open said closure whenever said stern is released by rotation of said rod,

2. In an acetylene gas generator, thecombination with a base, of a carbidcasing, having a central tubular column and a gas outlet at the bottom thereof, detachably fitted to said base; a water receptacle having a central tubular column and arranged to detachably fit upon said carbid casing with said columns in registry, above said carbid casing, includin a main compartment adja cent said carbi casing, an auxiliary compartment above said main compartment, and a hollow cap above said auxiliary, compartment; a water passageway from said main compartment to saidcarbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; a passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said cap; a passageway from saidmain, compartment to said cap; a vent opening from said cap to the atmosphere; a gas passageway frbm said carbid casing to the atmosphere; valve means controlling said gas passageway and both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the, gas passageway is opened the water passageway between said compartments is opened and the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed and vice versa; and means arranged to detachably rigidly connect said casing and receptacle with said base, including a. screw threaded rod depending in said water receptacle column fromthe top thereofland a screw threaded stem extending in said carbid casing column from saidbase, in screw threaded engagement with said rod; said stem extending through saidtrap in said base and carrying at its lower end a closure for said condensate outlet; a handle on said rod ZlbOVe said; water receptacle; and resilient means arranged-gtoautomatically open said closure whenever said stem is released by rotation ofsaid rod.

3. I fnan acetylene gas generator, the combination with a carbid casing, having a centraltubular column and agas outlet at the bo ttom thereof; a water receptacle having a central tubular column and arranged to.detacha bly fit upon said carbid casing with said columns in registry, including a main compartment adjacent said carbid casing, an auxiliary compartment above saidmain compartment, and a hollow cap above saidauxiliary compartment; a water passageway from said main compartment to saidcarbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; a passageway from said auxiliary. compartment to said cap; a passageway from said main compartment to said cap; a vent opening from said cap to the atmosphere; a gas passageway from said carbid casing to the atmosphere; and a rotary valve controlling said gas passageway and; both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the gas passageway is opened the water passageway between said compartments is opened andthe water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed and vice versa; and means arranged to detachably rigidly connect said casing and receptacle.

4. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a carbid casing, having a gas outlet at the bottom thereof; a water receptaoleabove said carbid casing includinga main compartment adjacent said carbid casing, anaux-iliary compartment above said main compartment, and a hollow cap above said auxiliary compartment; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid'casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; a passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said cap; a passageway from said main compartment to said cap; a vent opening from said cap to the atmosphere; a glS passageway from said carbid casing to the atmosphere; and a rotary valve controlling said gas passageway and both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the gas passageway is opened the water passageway between said compartments is opened and the water passageway from said mam compartment to said carbid casing is closed and vice versa: and means arranged to detachably rigidly connect said casing and receptacle.

5. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a carbid casing having a gas outlet; of a water receptacle above said carbid casing, including a main compartment adjacent said carbid casing, an auxiliary compartment above said main compartment, and a hollow cap above said auxiliary compartment; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; a passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said cap; a passageway from said main compartment to said cap; a vent opening from said cap to the atmosphere; valve means controlling both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the water passageway between said compartments is opened the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed and vice versa; and means arranged to detachably connect said casing and receptacle.

6. In an acetylene gas generator. the combination with a carbid casing; of a water receptacle above said carbid casing, including a main compartment adjacent said carbid casing, an auxiliary compartment above said main compartment, and a hollow cap above said auxiliary compartment; a passageway from said main compartment to said cap: a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main con'ipartment; a passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said cap; a vent opening from said cap to the atmosphere; valve means controlling both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the water passageway between said compartments is opened the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed and vice versa; and means arranged to dctachably connect said casing and receptacle.

7. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a carbid casing; of a water receptacle above said carbid casing, including a main compartment adjacent said carbid casing, an auxiliary compartment above said main compartment, and a hollow cap above said auxiliary compartment; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said cap; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; a passageway from said main compartment to said cap; a vent opening from said cap to the atmosphere; valve means controlling both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the water passageway between said compartments is opened the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed and vice versa; and means arranged to detachably connect said casing and receptacle.

8. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a carbid casing; of a water receptacle arranged to detachably fit upon said carbid casing, including a main compartment adjacent said carbid casing and an auxiliary compartment above said main compartment; an air vent for said main compartment; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; a gas passageway from said carbid casing to the atmosphere; valve means controlling said gas passageway and both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the gas passageway is opened the water passageway between said compartments is opened and the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed and vice versa; and means arranged to detachably rigidly connect said casing and receptacle.

9. In an acetylene gas generator. the combination with a carbid casing; of a water receptacle above said carbid casing including a main compartment adjacent said carbid casing and an auxiliary compartment above said main compartment; an air vent for said main compartment; a gas passageway i'rom said carbid casing to the atmosphere; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; and valve means controlling said gas passageway and both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the gas passageway is opened the water passageway between said compartments is opened and the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed, and vice versa.

10. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a carbid casin of a wa- O7 ter receptacle including a main compartmentand. an. auxiliary compartment; an air vent for said main. compartment;,a passageway from said carbid casing to the; atmosphere; a water passageway from; said main, compartment to said, carbid casing-; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; and valve means controlling said gaspassageway and both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when; the. gas passageway is opened the water passageway between said compartments is opened. and the water passageway fromsaid main compartment to said carbidcasing is closed, and; vice versa.

11. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a. carbid casing; of a water receptacle including: a. main compait ment and an auxiliary compartment; an air vent; for said main compartment; a gas passageway from said carbid casing; to: the atmosphere; a. water passageway from; said main compartment to-said canbid casing; a water passageway fromsaid auxiliary. compartment. to said main compartment; and valve means controlling said; gas passageway, so constructed and arranged that when the gas passageway is openedithewaten pa sageway between said compartments iS opened, and vice versa.

12. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with. a carbid casing; of; atwater receptacle including a. main compartment. and an auxiliary compartment; anair vent. for saidmain compartment; a Water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; and valve. means controlling both of said water passagewaysiso constructed and arranged that when. the water passageway between said. compartments is opened, the water passageway from said main compartment to saidcarbidieasing is closed and vice-versa.

13. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a car-bid; casing-5 of a-water receptacle including a, main compartmerit and ananxiliary compartment; an air vent for said main compartment; :1. gas passageway from said carbid casing to the; atmosphere; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said. auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; and valve means controlling said gas passageway, so constructed and arranged that said gas and water passageways are contemporaneously opened and closed.

14:. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a carbid casing; of, a water receptacle including a main compartment and an auxiliary compartment, and having a water inlet; a removable closure for said inlet, eccentrically pivotally connectedrwith said; receptacle bya; pint/leg; a spring, encirling saidi pintlfe. tendingi shut said; Water inlet;. a gaspassageway. from. said. carbid casingtothe; atmosphere; a water passageway, from. said. main. compartment to said carbidcasing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment. to said main compartinent; notary valve means controlling said gaspassageway and both of said water passageways and; carrying;- means. arranged o-prevent and permit the. opening of. said Wa er. inlet closure, so constructed and arranged that when. the; gas.- passageway' is opened the-wateapassageway between said compartments is. opened and the water pasageway. from, said main.- compartment to said carbidwasing isclosed and said water inlet. closure isreleased, and, when the, gas passageway is closedthe water passageway betweenisaid compartments. is closed and the water.- passageway from-,=said main compartment tmsaid. earbidcasing is opened, and the opening of said water inlet closure is prevented-;: whereby, when water is being stippliedto the-carbid, the escape of gas from the earbid: chamber-,otherwisethan at the burners, isprevented,v and, when the water supply tothe oarhi-d'isshut off, a gas vent from the earbidchamberis. provided independently of the. burners:

15. In: acetylene gas generator, the combination with a1earbid oasing ;-of?a Water receptacle including, a. main compartment and-tan auxiliary compartment, and having water inlet;, a; removablerlosure for said inlet; aspring tending; to shutsaid water inletrclosurega gasjpassageway from said earhid. easing tothe; atmosphere; a water passageway from: said main ,eompartment to said-,carbidcasing a: water passageway from said: auxiliary; compartment: to, said main compartment; valve means: controlling said gaspassageway' andLboth-;.o-f said water pas sageways and; carrying means arranged to prevent and; permitZ the; opening. of said water inlet? closure, sci-constructed and arranged. that when the gas. passageway is opened; the water passageway between said compartments isopened and the water passageway from. saidmain. compartment to said; carbid casing is closed and: said Water let: closure is released,and when the gas passageway isclosed thewater passageway between. said, compartments is closed and the water passagewayfrom said main compartment to said carbid, casing is opened. and. said: water inlet closure. is prevented fromopenino'; whereby. when water is being supplied to the carbid the escape of gas from the oarbid chamber, otherwise than at the burners, is prevented, and, when the water supply to the carbid is shut off, a gas vent frointhe carbidchaniber is provided independently of the burners.

16. In an acetylene. gas generator, the

combination with a carbid casing; of a water receptacle including a main compartment and an auxiliary compartment, and having a water inlet; a removable closure for said inlet; a gas passageway from said carbid casing to the atmosphere; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; valve means controlling said gas passageway and both of said water passageways and carrying means arranged to prevent and permit the opening of said water inlet closure, so constructed and arranged that when the gas passageway is opened the water passageway between said compartments is opened and the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed and said water inlet closure is released, and, when the gas passageway is closed the water passageway between said compartments is closed and the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is opened, and said water inlet closure is prevented from opening; whereby, when water is being supplied to the carbid the escape of gasfrom the carbid chamber, otherwise than at the burners, is prevented, and, when the water supply to the carbid is shut 01f, a gas vent from the carbid chamber is provided independently of the burners.

17. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a carbid casing; of a water receptacle including a main compartment and an auxiliary compartment, and having a water inlet; a removable closure for said inlet; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; valve means including a rotary plug controlling both of said water passageways and carrying means arranged to prevent and permit the opening of said water inlet closure, so constructed and arranged that when the water passagewav between said compartments is opened the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed and said water inlet closure is released, and, when the water passageway be tween said compartments is closed the water passagewav from said main compartment to said carbid casing is opened, and said water inlet closure is prevented from opening; wherebv. when water is being supplied to the carbid the escape of gas from the carbid chamber, otherwise than at the burners. is prevented, and. when the water supply to the carbid is shut oil, a gas vent from the carbid chamber is provided independently of the burners.

18. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a carbid casing; of a water receptacle including a main compartment and an auxiliary compartment,and having a water inlet; a removable closure for said inlet; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; valve means controlling both of said water passageways and carrying means arranged to prevent and permit the opening of said water inlet closure, so constructed and arranged that when the water passageway between said compartments is opened the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed and said water inlet closure is released, and, when the water passageway between said compartments is closed the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is opened,

and said water inlet closure is prevented from opening; whereby, when water is being supplied to the carbid the escape of gas from the carbid chamber, otherwise than at the burners, is prevented, and, when the water supply to the carbid is shut off, a gas vent from the carbid chamber is provided independently of the burners.

19. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a carbid casing; of a water receptacle including a plurality of compartments, and having a water inlet;

'a removable closure for said inlet; water passageways between said compartments and between said receptacle and easing;

'valve means controlling said passageways and operatively connected with means arranged to prevent and permit the opening of said water inlet closure, so constructed and arranged that when the water passageway between said receptacle and casing is closed the passageway between the compartment local to said inlet and the adjacent compartment is opened and said water closure is released, and, when the water pas sageway from said receptacle to said casing is opened, said other water passageway is closed. and said water inlet closure is prevented from opening; whereby, when water is being supplied to the carbid the escape of 'gas from the carbid chamber, otherwise than at the burners, is prevented, and, when the water supply to the carbid is shut off, a gas vent from the carbid chamber is provided independently of the burners.

20. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with acarbid casing; of a water receptacle having a water inlet; a removable closure for said inlet; a water passageway between said receptacle and casing; valve means controlling said passage way and operatively connected with means arranged to prevent and permit the opening of said water inlet closure, so constructed and arranged that when the water passageway between said receptacle and casing is closed said water closure is re leased, and, when the water passageway from said receptacle to said casing is opened, said water inlet closure is prevented from opening; whereby, when water is being supplied to the carbid the escape of gas from the carbid chamber, otherwise than at the burners, is prevented, and, when the water supply to the carbid is shut off, a gas vent from the carbid chamber is provided independently of the burners.

21. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination with a base; of a carbid casing, having a central tubular column and a gas outlet at the bottom thereof, detachably fitted to said base; a water receptacle having a central tubular column and arranged to detachably fit upon said carbid casing with said columns in registry, above said carbid casing, including a main compartment adjacent said carbid casing. an auxiliary compartment above said main compartment, and a hollow cap above said auxiliary compartment; a water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing; a water passageway from said auxiliary compartment to said main compartment; a passageway from said auxiliary Copies of this patent may be obtained for compartment to said cap; a passageway from said main compartment to said cap; a vent opening from said cap to the atmosphere; a gas passageway from said carbid casing to the atmosphere; and a rotary valve controlling said gas passageway and both of said water passageways, so constructed and arranged that when the gas passageway is opened the water passageway between said compartments is opened and the water passageway from said main compartment to said carbid casing is closed and vice versa; and means arranged to detachably rigidly connect said casing and receptacle with said base, including a screw threaded rod depending in said water receptacle column from the top thereof, and a screw threaded stem extending in sai carbid casing column from said base, in

screw threaded engagement with said rod.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this tenth day of September, 1913.

EDWIN M. ROSENBLUTH.

Witnesses E. G. MCCULLOUGH, WV. H. KILLE.

five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,173,122, granted February 22,

1916, upon the application of Edwin M. Rosenbluth, of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- Vania, for an improvement in Acetylene-Gas Generators, errors appear in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 2, ,line 98, for the reference-numeral 52 read 62; same page, line 112, for the word bv read by; page 9, line 5, claim l, and line 48, claim 2, after the ord "base strike out the comma and insert a semicolon; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the casein the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 16th day of January, A. D., 1917.

F. W. H. CLAY,- Acting Commissioner of Patents.

[SEAL] 

